FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

Professional Development & Sustainability Special

FIATA e-flash
6 January 2025

Updated FIATA Minimum Standards Are Now in Force 

FIATA is pleased to confirm that the updated Minimum Standards for all FIATA Training Programmes are now in effect as of 1 January 2026. These revisions, shared with all Association Members delivering courses in 2024, reflect FIATA's ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality, consistent training across all programmes worldwide.

The updated standards will be assessed during each Association’s upcoming validation and revalidation sessions. Associations are kindly asked to ensure these changes are fully integrated into their planning and delivery.

FIATA encourages all its Association Members to review the updated standards carefully and remains available to answer any questions from trainers or participants. Your engagement is essential to uphold the quality of FIATA training globally.

For any queries or support regarding the updated standards, please contact FIATA’s training team at [email protected].

2026 Young Logistics Professionals Award - Do Not Miss Your Chance!

FIATA reminds Association Members that applications for the 2026 Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award, presented by FIATA and the TT Club, are still open.

FIATA invites young professionals to share their ideas and perspectives on real trade and logistics challenges from their region through a dissertation. It is an opportunity to demonstrate analytical thinking, research skills and practical insight while gaining international exposure.

The four regional finalists will present their work at the 2026 FIATA World Congress in Milan, Italy, held during FIATA’s 100th anniversary. This final stage offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with industry peers and leaders and to be part of a memorable professional experience.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria?

  • The candidate must be aged between 18-35 years old when entering the contest.
  • The candidate must have 1-2 years of full-time experience in logistics or freight forwarding.
  • The candidate must be nominated by their local FIATA Association Member no later than 1 February 2026 to [email protected].  

Candidates who would like to participate in the YLP Award but do not have an Association Member established in their territory are kindly asked to contact [email protected].

For more details about the competition and to download the supporting document, visit the FIATA website. Information is available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Want more information on the Young Logistics Professionals Award ?

Quiere más información sobre el premio YLP en español?

想了解更多有关 YLP 奖的信息吗?

Need more information on any of FIATA’s professional development initiatives? Reach out to FIATA’s training team at [email protected].

2025 Global Sustainability Supply Chain Student Competition (GS3)  

The winners of the 2025 Global Sustainability Supply Chain Student Competition (GS3) have officially been announced! This year’s competition attracted 113 teams of students from 23 territories, reflecting an exceptionally high level of participation. Participating teams addressed real-world challenges in sustainable transportation and logistics closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), submitting a series of data-driven and highly practical innovative solutions.

Global Best Sustainable Solution Awards

Gold Award

  • P & A Strategy Team, University College London, United Kingdom

Silver Awards

  • Rhode2Istanbul Team, University of Rhode Island (USA) & Maltepe University (Türkiye)
  • Team EARTH, University of Maryland (USA)

Bronze Awards

  • KFCVW50 Team, Tsinghua University (China)
  • Réseau Est Team, Ashesi University (Ghana)
  • TriLogix Team, Xiamen University (China), Foreign Trade University (Vietnam), and Missouri State University (USA)

Note: Tied rankings are listed in alphabetical order by team name. For the Paired teams and Regional winners, please visit this website.

Now in its third year, the Global Sustainability Supply Chain Student Competition has grown significantly in scale and global reach. Since its launch in 2023, it has engaged nearly 300 student teams from 104 universities across five continents. Participation has expanded from 7 territories in the first edition to 23 in 2025, reflecting strong international interest and influence.

The competition places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and capacity building, with notable growth in developing regions. GS3’s distinctive paired team model brings together students from developed and developing territories, encouraging cross cultural collaboration and practical problem solving. Through FIATA’s global platform and the Global Supply Chain Classroom network, students work on real world case studies provided by industry partners and international organisations, addressing challenges such as carbon reduction, digitalisation and social inclusion.

In December 2025, GS3 was officially recognised as a voluntary commitment under the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport. This recognition confirms its alignment with global sustainability objectives and highlights the vital role of youth in driving innovation. Read the press release here.

Looking ahead, partners will continue to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and international institutions to develop future leaders in sustainable supply chain management.

New Online Sustainability Courses Now Available for FIATA Members

FIATA continues to support a more conscious, informed, and future-ready logistics industry, starting with practical training and accessible education. In line with this commitment, FIATA has partnered with the Smart Freight Centre to offer three online self-paced courses at a preferential rate through the FIATA Training Platform.

These courses are designed to strengthen knowledge on sustainability and emissions management, providing a solid foundation for professionals at any stage of their sustainability journey. Developed by the Smart Freight Centre, a globally recognised leader in advancing climate action in freight, the courses combine technical expertise with practical insights that can be applied directly in business operations.

Through these learning opportunities, FIATA aims to support Members in navigating regulatory changes, meeting customer expectations, and addressing operational challenges, while building capacity for informed, responsible decision-making. Members are encouraged to explore the courses and take full advantage of this opportunity as the logistics sector continues to evolve.

Upcoming FIATA Events